School District 5 Board candidate Jan Gordon-Hooker wants to raise the profile of one of the District's success stories, the One-to-One Literacy program.

The program, a joint project between District 5 and the Cranbrook Rotary Club, operates in several Cranbrook elementary schools and provides volunteers with training materials and books so they can act as reading tutors for students.

Gordon-Hooker, who has been a volunteer tutor herself, first became involved after reading an advertisement in the Daily Townsman.

“I lived down the street from Kootenay Orchards Elementary. I had some spare time in my retirement and I thought what a great way to give back to my community. Volunteering as a reading tutor was also a logical extension of my work with the Cranbrook Public Library Board in promoting literacy initiatives and lifelong learning.”

Her experience with the program has taught her that children come to the program with a broad range of abilities and challenges.

“Some children don't get the one-on-one time at home. Most of the children seen to enjoy the one-on-one reading. Some children are a little self-conscious to be in the program but I can usually encourage a child to engage with me by talking about the family pets, favourite activities or something that relates to the story we're reading. It's so rewarding to see a young mind thrive in this program.”

In today's knowledge-based economy, literacy skill is a critical indicator of readiness for employment and further education, Gordon-Hooker says. The One-On-One Literacy Program offers a way for the entire community to raise literacy levels, she says.

She also believes many Cranbrook retirees who have the time and the interest are unaware of the program. “Contact School District 5 or your local elementary school. For as little as one and-a-half hours a week, you can really make a difference in the life of a child.”

Gordon-Hooker says reading time is key to helping children gain confidence and realizing that a person who can read can do just about anything.